General Kinematics VP gets alumnus award

Published: Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013 5:30 a.m. CDT

CRYSTAL LAKE – General Kinematics Vice President of Technical Services Randy Smith was selected to receive the Outstanding Alumnus Award in recognition of contributions to his profession and community from the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture from his alma mater, University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

After graduating with a bachelor of science degree in industrial technology, Smith started working at General Kinematics in 1980 as an engineering draftsman. Over the next two decades, he moved through the ranks of engineering and field service positions and went on to obtain his master’s degree.

In 1998, he was promoted to director of operations for engineering, manufacturing and service before he was promoted to vice president of technical services/component sales in 2003. In 2011, he became vice president of technical services at General Kinematics with responsibilities focused in strategic global initiatives.

“The industrial technology program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville historically has provided a unique emphasis in its curriculums for hands-on technology, communication skills and business practices,” Smith said in a news release. “Today, the Department of Industrial Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is uniquely set up to develop students into graduates that are willing and very well-equipped to meet the challenges of the manufacturing sectors on a global basis.”

Smith was honored at an awards reception in Platteville as part of the university’s homecoming activities Friday.

Crystal Lake-based General Kinematics makes vibratory equipment for the processing of bulk materials. For more than 50 years, it has lead technological advancements in vibratory equipment for the foundry, mining, and bulk processing industries.